Where is the Achilleion Palace located on the island of Corfu, and what scenic views does it offer?

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Achilleion, or Αχίλλειο in Greek, stands as a palace constructed on the island of Corfu for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, following a recommendation from the Austrian consul Alexander von Warsberg. Elisabeth, deeply affected by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, in the Mayerling incident of 1889, commissioned the construction of this summer palace a year later as a sanctuary. Situated in the village of Gastouri, approximately ten kilometers to the south of the city of Corfu, Achilleion offers a breathtaking panorama of the city to the north and the southern expanse of the island, bordered by the Ionian Sea to the east. The architectural design of the palace was conceived to evoke the ambiance of an ancient mythical palace from Phaeacia, with its central theme revolving around the Greek mythological hero, Achilles, from whom the palace derives its name. Corfu held a special place in Elisabeth's heart as her preferred vacation destination, and she envisioned the palace as a tribute to her admiration for Greece, its language, and its culture. Currently, the property serves as a museum under the administration of the Hellenic Tourism Development Company, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.Achilleion, a palace initially known as 'Villa Vraila,' was originally owned by Corfiote philosopher and diplomat Petros Brailas-Armenis. In 1888, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) decided to build her own palace on Corfu after visiting the location. The palace, designed by Italian architect Raffaele Caritto, occupies an area of 200,000 square meters. It was adorned with sculptures inspired by Greek mythology, with 'Dying Achilles' by German sculptor Ernst Herter at the heart of the Achilleion Gardens. The architectural style aimed to emulate an ancient Phaeacian palace, and the palace was named after the Greek hero Achilles. It was enriched with paintings and statues of Achilles, depicting various aspects of the Trojan War. Sisi used Achilleion as a private retreat and refuge. After Sisi's death, the palace was inherited by her daughter, Archduchess Gisela. Later, German Kaiser Wilhelm II purchased Achilleion in 1907 and used it as a summer residence. The Kaiser was involved in archaeological excavations on Corfu and commissioned a bronze statue of Achilles for the palace grounds. During World War I, the palace served as a military hospital, and after the war, it became Greek state property. In the interwar years, it housed an orphanage and was used for government functions. During World War II, it was used as a military headquarters by the Axis powers. In 1962, the upper level of Achilleion was converted into a casino, while the lower grounds became a museum. In 1983, the management of the palace was returned to the Hellenic Tourist Organisation (HTO). Over the years, the palace has hosted historical conferences and European summits. Today, it primarily functions as a museum, with the casino operations moved elsewhere.

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